Cook deputy charged with theft during eviction

A member of the Cook County sheriff’s office’s evictions unit is facing federal theft charges after being accused of stealing from a Chicago house where he was performing an eviction that was under surveillance by the FBI.

Samuel J. Spino, 35, of Willowbrook, is a 10-year veteran of the department, spending the last six in the evictions unit, officials said.

Sheriff Tom Dart said he requested assistance from the FBI after becoming aware of allegations against Spino’s behavior at other evictions, according to a news release from Dart’s office.

The sting took place May 3 and Spino was arrested today. Spino is facing a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of $250,000.

Attempts to reach Spino were unsuccessful.